There are many different types of TV mounts available on the market. TV Mounting differs mainly in how they allow you to adjust the TV’s angle once mounted. A common rule of thumb is to mount your TV at eye level when seated in your seating area. This will help to prevent neck strain and discomfort.

Whether you want to mount your TV at eye level or above, the exact height depends on many factors, such as the shape of your room, the seating position and your personal preference. While general recommendations are a good place to start, you can fine-tune the screen height for your specific situation by using online calculators that factor in everything from screen size to seating distance.

One way to find the ideal height is to have a family member or friend who is representative of your viewing audience sit in front of the TV while you use a laser level to draw a line on the wall at the approximate level where their eyes would be when they watch. Then, adjust the TV mount until the laser point meets the center of the screen.

Another way to determine the ideal height is to use a tape measure to find how high from the ground the bottom of the screen should be. Then, divide that number by two and subtract it from the recommended 42-inch center height. For example, a 55-inch TV should have its bottom edge mounted around 28.5 inches from the floor.

Once you’ve determined the desired height, mark it lightly on the wall with low-stick painter’s tape. You may also want to mark the location of studs, since most wall mounts are designed to be attached to the center of a stud for maximum support. Locating studs can be as simple as removing the cover of an electrical outlet or junction box and using a handheld stud finder to feel around until you locate one.

In addition to determining the proper mounting height, it’s a good idea to test out the angle at which you want to mount the TV to make sure that it’s comfortable. It’s particularly important to do this if you have children or pets who might pull or push on the TV or otherwise damage it. If your television is mounted too low, you can end up with neck strain and a skewed viewing angle that’s not very pleasant.

Determine the Angle

Having the TV mounted at the right height and angle makes all the difference in how comfortable you are watching it. It’s important to experiment with different angles before you decide which one suits your room best. Ideally you want to mount your TV at eye level but this may not always be possible depending on how high your sofa is or the height of the wall. To calculate the approximate eye-level viewing distance, use a tape measure and divide your TV screen size by 0.55.

You can also find a variety of mounts that tilt and swivel which allow you to adjust the TV to any position without having to move yourself around. This is ideal if you need to move the TV between a number of different locations within your room or for example to avoid sunlight hitting the screen at certain times of day.

These types of mounts tend to be heavier and require two people to install so they’re not ideal for the DIYer. They also have a tendency to damage cables over time due to the constant movement so it’s important to take care with how you position them and to secure them to the bracket where possible.

If you’re going for the swivel and tilt option, check that the TV can be moved to a vertical descent position so you can bring the screen down when you need to do tasks like cooking or cleaning. This is also a good choice for rooms with windows on the opposite side of the screen as you can angle the TV down to help block out light from those areas.

Finally, you can also get large articulating wall mounts for larger screens that extend outward from the wall to give you more flexibility in positioning the TV. These are ideal for rooms where you want to be able to watch the TV from multiple areas within the space and they typically have a tilt range of 5° up to 15° down.

If you’re mounting your TV onto a concrete or brick wall then be sure to get a concrete/brick mounting kit. This will ensure that the mounting bracket is properly secured and that the studs are located at the correct depth behind the wall surface.

Determine the Type of Wall

Most modern TVs use a standardized mounting pattern, called a VESA mount. This is a set of screws and holes that match up with the mounting brackets on the back of the TV. The majority of wall mounts are designed to accommodate this pattern, but it’s always best to check before you buy anything. This way you can be sure that the mount will attach to your TV.

Another consideration is the type of wall. Most walls in newer homes are drywall, which can support the weight of a mounted TV. However, older walls are often made from plaster or brick, which cannot be supported by the studs inside the wall. If you have one of these types of walls, you will need to purchase a different type of TV mount that is specifically rated for masonry or brick walls.

For brick or cinder block walls, you will need to use masonry anchors instead of standard screws. To find out if your wall can support a TV, remove any electrical outlet or junction box cover to expose the studs inside. Then, use a stud finder to locate the studs and mark their location on the wall. Studs are usually 16 inches apart, so if you can’t find any, you may need to move the TV mount location to a different spot in the room.

Once you’ve found the ideal location for your TV mount, tape the template to the wall and use a level to ensure it is straight. Then drill the holes marked on the template into the corresponding spots on the wall. Make sure you don’t overdrill; only drill through the drywall to about an inch deep. For a stud, this will be plenty of support, but if you are using a masonry anchor, you’ll need to dig a hole deeper than this.

It’s also a good idea to consider how many wires will need to be run through the wall when selecting a mount. Nothing makes a wall look worse than loose, ugly-looking wires, so be sure to select a mount that offers adequate cable management channels or clips to hold the cables in place.

Install the Mount

A TV mount allows you to hang your flat screen TV on a wall without the need for a TV stand. This is particularly useful in a room with limited floor space. Mounts are available in full-motion, tilting, and fixed positions to help you achieve the best viewing angle for your television. They also come with handy cable management features to keep wires neat and organized.

Before you start to mount your TV, it is important to find the right place for it. You want to make sure it is at a comfortable height for viewing and that you can reach the remote control. For this reason, it is recommended that you get a friend to hold the TV while you look at it from different angles and locations on the wall. This will allow you to see what the best angle is for you and the most comfortable for your eyes.

Once you have found the perfect spot, use a piece of tape to mark the location on the wall where the screws should go. Then, follow the directions that came with your mount to install it. Some may require you to screw in the brackets and then attach them to the wall, while others have you drill into the studs and secure with toggle bolts (or lag screws depending on the brand). It is always good to ask your Tasker what type of hardware they will be using.

It is also a good idea to consult the manual that came with your mount if you have any questions about installation. Each brand and style of mount has slightly different instructions, but most are pretty straightforward. For a basic mounted TV, it will only take a few hours to finish the job.

A TV mount is a great way to save space in your home and can be used in places that would be difficult to fit a traditional stand, such as above a fireplace or in a corner. It is important to be mindful of the location and placement and consider any obstacles, such as windows, air vents, radiators, or electrical outlets, before deciding on a spot for your new TV.